2013.03.06 Cassie Connin: Don't look at Jesus as a crutch

Written by David Green.

You can have all the facts stacked up in front of you, but in the end you are going to do what makes you feel good. Sinning is fun…for a season (only for a period of time). Until it is out of your control and you are submissive to it.

I think it is hard for people to accept the Lord as their savior because they want control of their lives. Or at least feel in control. By accepting someone else as "savior" over them, they are willing to be submissive, they are admitting they are in need because they are not doing a good enough job.

What they don't truly realize is they have already lost all control. Sin has a hold on them. You would think it is at that point they would come to Christ based on fact and need for Him, but they don't. They still look at their sins as "a part of them,” what makes them whole or complete. You know it doesn't have to.

Why do people want to embrace their wrongs but so easily look at Jesus as a crutch? Are they not hiding behind their "choices" as a crutch, by saying "that is what makes me, me"? I challenge you all who do not know Jesus, to really get to know Him. Sure, the facts are there, but like I said earlier, you’re going to do what makes you feel good. Yes, accepting His death as payment for your bad choices (and we ALL make them) is free, but it does hurt to feel vulnerable, to feel out of control.

But let me ask you these very important questions. Why not? What if you are wrong? What would happen? What if I am wrong? If I'm wrong (which I am not), then I end up being kinder to others while I am alive. I live my life happier because I have hope. Sure, I get picked on because I have a so-called "crutch," but to be honest I have more control. It is easier to make good choices. I find myself happier. It is easier to forgive. I see more clearly, the difference between right from wrong, because I have a standard. I know I will continue to make mistakes, but I won't want to and they will affect me different. I am not hostage to my sins. I feel love and purpose, and want to share that with others. I want to serve Him (not have to), by doing good.

That doesn't sound bad at all. So if I was wrong and there was nothing after this life, then I would have nothing to lose. But if I am right, and all the facts point that way, then there is EVERYTHING to gain.

Something to think about…He made this whole world in a week. He has been making this amazing place for us to spend eternity for over 2,000 years. I don't know about you but that makes me feel pretty good. Talk to someone about Jesus today. Just sayin’.

GAMES DAY—Finn Molitierno (right) celebrates a goal during a game of Nok Hockey with his sister, Kyla. The two tried out a variety of games Saturday at Stair District Library’s annual International Games Day event. One of the activities featured a sort of scavenger hunt in which participants had to locate facts presented in the Smithsonian Hometown Teams exhibit. The traveling show left Morenci’s library Tuesday, wrapping up a series of programs that began Oct. 2. Additional photos are on page 7.

STRANGE STUFF—Morenci Elementary School students learn that blue isn’t really blue when seen through the right color of lens. Volunteer April Pike presents the lesson to students at one of the many stations brought to the school by the COSI science center. The theme of this year’s visit was the solar system.

MAPLE leaves show their fall colors in a puddle at Morenci’s Riverside Natural Area. “This was a great year for colors,” said local weather watcher George Isobar. Chilly mornings will give way to seasonable fall temperatures for the next two weeks.

MORENCI Marching Band member Brittany Dennis keeps the beat Friday during the half-time show of the Morenci/Pittsford football game. Color guard member Jordan Cordts is at the left. The band performed this season under the direction of Doyle Rodenbeck who served as Morenci’s band director in the 1970s. He’s serving as a substitute during a family leave.

MOVING EAST—Utility workers continue their slow progress east along U.S. 20 south of Morenci. New electrical poles are put in place before wiring is moved into place.

A PERFORMER named Biligbaatar, a member of the AnDa Union troupe from Inner Mongolia, dances at Stair District Library last week during a visit to the Midwest. The nine-member group blends a variety of traditions from Inner and Outer Mongolia. The music is described as drawing from “all the Mongol tribes that Genghis Khan unified.” The group considers itself music gatherers whose goal is to preserve traditional sounds of Mongolia. Biligbaatar grew up among traditional herders who live in yurts. Additional photos are on the back page of this week’s Observer.

HOLDEN HUTCHISON gives a hug to a black bear cub—the product of a taxidermist’s skills—at the Michigan DNR’s Great Youth Jamboree. The event on Sunday marked the fourth year of the Jamboree. Additional photos are on page 12.